66 • Footwear Insight ~ January / February 2019 footwearinsight.com
LINES WE LIKE
There's more than meets the eye in these standout styles with material stories to tell. By Cara Griffin
Materially Relevant
Vivo Barefoot Primus Lite Bio
This shoe is all about sustainable performance. Made with algae-based
Bloom Foam and corn-based-Susterra and Sorona, the $160 style is
made with close to 50 percent plant-based materials. Even better? Vivo is
looking to use 90 percent sustainable materials across its line by 2020.
Mishmi Takin Kameng High Winter eVent Boot
This colorful performer has a fully waterproof and air permeable eVent
membrane that vents out the moisture and heat created in boots during
activity. The all-leather Kameng boot, MSRP $250, also features PrimaLoft
insulation for warmth, a Vibram Megagrip outsole and an Ortholite insole.
Saola Niseko
These street-friendly kicks have an eco-friendly focus. The "leather" look
of this mid-height sneaker style's upper is not leather at all, but is made of
recycled PET. The lightweight, cushy algae foam outsoles are made from
environmentally harmful algae biomass that is harvested from lakes and rivers.
Sole Jasper
The Fall 2019 range from Sole, a brand best known for its footbeds, will
include 12 new footwear styles. The brand says it is aiming "to prioritize
sustainability without compromise, from tongue to tread." The Jasper
has a recycled cork footbed, insoles that use algae-based Bloom
Foam to partially replace petroleum-based materials and a Merino-
knit upper that is breathable, moisture wicking, soft and durable.
